Another outstanding Friday night dinner at The Root Café a few weeks ago has me eagerly anticipating the restaurant’s upcoming announcement of a full-time dinner service. The 5-course creation from January 20th proved once again the restaurant’s ability to execute simple, local ingredients in a fun and imaginative way. Dishes like pork belly with chilaquiles, cabbage soup with apple slaw, and turnip risotto all hit the spot, while also illustrating the restaurant’s focus on incorporating local ingredients into the menu. I do, however, hope management looks into adding some sound proofing to the new dining area, as it was quite loud during the dinner. That said, once dinner service does get going, it wouldn’t surprise me to see it quickly embraced by the community. Chef John Arrington and Pastry Chef Sara Slimp are both very talented and are primed to help The Root join SoMa’s growing nighttime dining scene.

Mylo Coffee Co.’s new side area addition is complete and it’s not only gorgeous, but quite seamless. Once you walk through the door, turn to the right and take a gander. As for the product, I deviated from my regular pour over coffee in favor of a latte (with almond milk). Excellent.

Speaking of deviating from my norm … I actually went to Three Fold and didn’t get the dumplings. I’m not sure why, but I instead got the noodle bowl with pork and a side of carrot slaw, the latter of which was dumped into the bowl, mixed, and promptly devoured. I’m guessing you know the rest … it was fantastic. An eyeball test tells me business still must be good at this fast-casual downtown dining spot, as the line nearly extended from the counter to the front door.

My latest visit to Lulu’s Latin Rotisserie and Grill was a huge hit. This comes on the heels of two average experiences over the past few months, so I wasn’t exactly clamoring to go back. After last Friday night’s meal, I’m back on the Lulu’s train. Everything was fantastic … the Parillada for two (with medium-rare NY Strip, rotisserie chicken, fries, and a salad) was gobbled up by my family of four, as was a side of black beans and rice, and some insanely addictive fried yuca. Service was attentive and friendly, and the reasonable $50 tab has me wanting to get back to Lulu’s a heck of a lot sooner, rather than later. Hopefully, consistency issues have been hammered out, because this restaurant is a hidden gem, and one I hope more people check out.

I went to Deluca’s yesterday. Update … it’s still the best. Enough said.

Major props to Capi Peck of Trio’s, Chef Ken Dempsey, Sharon Woodson of Honey Pies, and Nathaniel Izard of Izard Chocolate for pulling off an amazing dinner the other night. It was the first TMR Collaborative Dinner, and judging by the diners’ happiness, it may not be our last. The theme was “South by South” and featured courses like Mexican Street Cornbread, Legumbres en Pipian, Fried Green Tomatillos with Smoked Pork, and Churro Profiteroles. A big thank to all those involved and to everyone who attended. Keep an eye out for our next dinner which should be sometime in early March.